"Earned their wages" - Martin Keown lauds 3 Arsenal stars after 2-1 UEFA Champions League win against Sevilla
Arsenal icon Martin Keown hailed the trio of Declan Rice, Gabriel Magalhaes, and William Saliba for their performances during the Gunners' 2-1 win against Sevilla on Tuesday, October 24.
Mikel Arteta's side faced Sevilla in the UEFA Champions League away from home. Gabriel Jesus brilliantly assisted Gabriel Martinelli right before half-time before scoring a screamer in the 53rd minute. Nemanja Gudelj pulled one back for the hosts but Arsenal were able to hold on to their lead, securing all three points.
Keown was left impressed by Arsenal's defensive display, particularly the efforts of Rice, Gabriel, and Saliba. He told TNT Sports (via METRO):
"I thought they showed really good ingredients. Declan Rice, who we haven’t yet mentioned, was magnificent at times. You almost could do with two of him on the pitch, he’s incredible."
"That resolve that they showed, the two central defenders they earned their wages too because they had to put everything on the line, throwing their bodies in the way of things. So very satisfying and I think the team now will grow in confidence after that win."
Keown also compared Rice to Manchester City superstar Rodri and continued:
"Really dogged defending [at the end] and he’d already put a lot of mileage into the game. I think he’s had more carries in the Champions League than any other player bar Rodri. And maybe that’s the role, the Rodri role. But maybe he’s more mobile even than Rodri to do it. We have to respect what Rodri is doing but…"
"I just feel there’s a maturity there, a character, that’s coming into his game. And I actually feel he’s a better player than I ever really believed he was. I’m now seeing it. I’m a real fan of what he’s offering. And when you have to dig in in games, he’s the first one with his hand in the air."
Rice had a phenomenal game in midfield for Arsenal. The Englishman provided one assist, won 100 percent of his tackles, made eight recoveries, and won eight duels.
Gabriel and Saliba had decent games too. The former won 100% of his tackles, made three clearances, made three recoveries and won two duels. Moreover, Saliba made six clearances, eight recoveries and won six duels.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hails Gabriel Jesus after Sevilla win
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was full of praise for Gabriel Jesus after he scored a brilliant goal and provided a magical assist during the Gunners' 2-1 win against Sevilla on Tuesday.
Jesus also had a pass accuracy of 92%, created three big chances and won four duels. His feats helped the Gunners get to the top of Group B in the Champions League with six points from three games.
Arteta said (via Arsenal's official website):
"Really happy with that part – big games for big players, and he needed to produce those moments to win in stadiums like this. He’s done it, and obviously, he opened the game for us in a great way. And then, we’re really sad because he felt something in his hamstring, and he had to come off and I’m worried about that."
Despite being injured for three games, Jesus has scored four goals and provided one assist in 11 appearances this season.